The eleven women being honored have all made considerable contributions in leadership, time, and philanthropy to the Larimer or Weld county communities. This year, nine women won awards for nine different business, government, or philanthropic categories, along with a “Leading Lady” Award and an “Outstanding Mentor” Award. Hostetter was honored in the Business and Business Services category.

Hostetter has been a leader and fearless innovator in the Colorado manufacturing industry for more than twenty years. She leads two successful companies and is the visionary and a founder of the Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies (ADAPT) Center for additive manufacturing research. She sits on the state’s Advanced Manufacturing Accelerator review board and has led teams that earned a number of honors, including Manufacturer of the Year in 2016.

Along with her role as CEO of H2 Manufacturing, Hostetter is Vice President of Fauston Tool and Board Chair of Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership, and chairs its annual tradeshow this year (NOCOM 2018) on April 12 at The Ranch. She has put in substantial hours of volunteer service and support for both profit and non-profit organizations, including Child Safe—which provides services for women and children affected by sexual abuse and Respite—a center for the terminally ill. She’s served in a professional capacity a number of leading organizations, including Ball Aerospace, Woodward, Neo Tech, and others. She also works for the state as a volunteer and business leader on its transition boards in Global Business Development. She has three grown children and a seven-year-old at home, who she calls her “greatest joy.”

About H2 Manufacturing Solutions

H2 Manufacturing Solutions offers a broad range of services to help manufacturers navigate the daily challenges of the modern manufacturing world. Our one-stop shop addresses any business challenge a manufacturer encounters, from representing best-in-class equipment and service providers to operational improvement consulting to business development strategies to technical expertise. At H2, our mission is to make manufacturers’ day-to-day challenges more manageable and less frustrating. Our promise is to deliver Honest. Hardworking. Results. For more information, contact H2 Manufacturing Solutions at 970-692-3344 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit H2 Manufacturing Solutions on the web, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About BizWest

BizWest was founded in March 2014 through a merger of the Boulder County Business Report and the Northern Colorado Business Report. Today, BizWest covers the business news of Boulder, Broomfield, Larimer, and Weld counties. It strives to provide the most accurate, in-depth, business news and to maintain the deepest and most up-to-date business database in Boulder Valley and Northern Colorado.

“Additive manufacturing is fundamentally changing how manufacturing is done, and the biggest gap is designing parts to realize all the benefits additive provides,” said H2 Manufacturing Solutions CEO Heidi Hostetter. “We’re thrilled to bring the world’s leading experts in additive manufacturing design to Colorado to share their knowledge. H2 and Manufacturer’s Edge saw this as another way to help the ongoing effort to make Colorado a leader in additive manufacturing.”

“With additive manufacturing, design innovation is free,” said Chris Schuppe, engineering leader at GE Additive. GE has stated that industrial 3D printing will forever change the manufacturing world as we know it. This is one step that design engineers can take to ensure they are prepared for that change.

Schuppe will lead the class, and bring other GE Additive experts along as instructors. In 2012 he led GE Aviation’s engineering design team, which made significant improvements to the CFM International LEAP engine fuel nozzle. In November 2014 his team developed and tested a CT7 GE helicopter engine designed and made with almost 90% additive parts and systems. His teams have also been responsible for creating additive heat exchangers and developing additive applications for many other programs.

The CFM LEAP fuel nozzle tip combines 20 parts into one for a 400% increase in durability and 25% reduction in weight and was one of the first additively manufactured jet engine components certified by the FAA. This translates into a savings for an airline flying a plane with CFM’s next-generation LEAP engine, thanks to a part that combines many engineering and manufacturing steps into one, and can only be made using additive manufacturing.

Schuppe’s teams created and generated more than 50 patents in 2016. He also led the engineering function for GE’s acquisition of Concept Laser and Arcam – both makers of additive manufacturing machines. In October 2016 he became engineering integration leader for GE Additive, GE’s new business focused on accelerating the additive adoption rate across many industries such as Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Medical and Dental.

Topics covered in the course include an introduction to additive manufacturing, design for additive manufacturing, additive material characteristics and selection, additive part selection, machine and part qualification, as well as break-out exercises and open discussion.

This event and the cutting-edge information it presents is normally offered at $3,000 per seat. It will be free of charge to the first 55 manufacturing professionals from Colorado who register. Lunch will be provided by Manufacturer’s Edge.

Course attendance is limited to two attendees from any company/organization.

About H2 Manufacturing SolutionsH2 Manufacturing Solutions offers a broad range of services to help manufacturers navigate the daily challenges of the modern manufacturing world. Our one-stop shop addresses any business challenge a manufacturer encounters, from representing best-in-class equipment and service providers to operational improvement consulting to business development strategies to technical expertise. At H2, our mission is to make manufacturers’ day-to-day challenges more manageable and less frustrating. Our promise is to deliver Honest. Hardworking. Results. For more information, contact H2 Manufacturing Solutions at 970-692-3344 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit H2 Manufacturing Solutions on the web, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About Colorado OEDITThe Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with statewide partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor John Hickenlooper, we strive to advance the state’s economy through financial and technical assistance in support of local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado.

About Manufacturer’s EdgeManufacturer’s Edge is a statewide manufacturing assistance center, partially funded by the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP). Manufacturer’s Edge encourages the strength and competitiveness of Colorado manufacturers through onsite technical assistance through coaching, training, and consulting, collaboration-focused industry programs, and leveraging government, university and economic development partnerships.

Great to see this go in quickly so they can get it up and running asap.

If you want to discuss how Merrick products "help building businesses build business," contact us or Lowell. We represent Merrick in several western/southwestern states, and would love to chat with you. Increase productivity, reduce costs and waste, be more competitive in the marketplace.

At H2 Manufacturing Solutions, we work every day to help our clients navigate the challenges of competing in the manufacturing business. They have questions we help answer and problems we help solve from all parts of their businesses - hiring, managing, sales, operations, regulation, certification, selecting, purchasing and installing new equipment, and more. We're here to help them - and you - based on more than two decades of experience in the metal manufacturing world.

Our mission is to make day-to-day challenges more manageable and less frustrating to achieve the best possible outcome.

Join us for a casual get-together in August and monthly thereafter to network with and learn from members of the Women in 3D Printing community. All are welcome, from those new to 3D printing to veterans.

Our friends at ICOSA will host this event. Sponsor packages are available.

This is one of the first chapters to be established. The group is quickly growing, with more than 700 members. Initial chapters were established in San Francisco and Paris. Other new chapters being established include New York City and Winnipeg.

The 2nd annual Colorado Manufacturing Awards recognizes exceptional companies and people leading the modern manufacturing economy. This year's theme is Innovation in Product Manufacturing.

Three finalists in nine industry categories and the supply chain are competing to be named a Colorado Manufacturing Award Recipient. Companies will also be recognized for Innovation in Supply Chain, Large-company Skunkworks, and an outstanding Woman in Manufacturing.

Join us to recognize and celebrate Colorado manufacturing by showcasing process and systems innovation in small-to-middle market manufacturers and divisions or departments of enterprise-level companies.

Davidson will speak about the theme of this year’s event: Creating Culture to Promote Innovation: “In my keynote, I share the epic tale of how I had to find a way to climb an overhanging ice wall alone to escape a deep glacial crevasse. I was short on resources, technique and time. Yet, I was able to overcome this challenge, just like manufacturers tackle challenges every day.”

Hear invigorating stories and lessons that help businesses employ innovation and resilience when facing challenges and opportunities. Short on resources, time, and technique? Resolve problematic challenges through adaptation and innovative thinking.

“As an advocate of both manufacturing and climbing, I’ve learned leadership is most vital in your darkest hours, not your finest moments, and Jim is a great example of this,” said Adam Papillion, director of operations for H2 Manufacturing Solutions. “Through many years of climbing and friendship with Jim, nothing has transferred more to my professional life than Jim’s lessons on resilience.”

Davidson will be on site after his talk at the show’s registration table signing copies of his New York Times best-selling book, The Ledge. As time permits, he will connect with individuals and organizations on the challenges they face in a competitive manufacturing world, and how they can solve them through resilience and innovation.

Jim has summited the world’s tallest peaks, survived harrowing trials and extremely dangerous situations, and he shares the power of resilience to audiences around the world. Davison’s stories of survival help people face their own challenges and opportunities. With 36 years of adventures to draw from, he distills unique content for each audience to reveal how to adapt to profound change, overcome anxiety and uncertainty, and reach lofty goals.

Major sponsors include Aerotek, Colorado Department of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), EKS&H, Flood & Peterson, Xcel Energy, and FirstBank. Other sponsors include Speaker Hall sponsor Northern Colorado Economic Alliance; Venue sponsor City of Loveland; and Coffee sponsor Noffsinger.

The event showcases Northern Colorado’s expanding manufacturing sector, connecting suppliers, manufacturers, capital, and services. Registration is now open at this link. Admission is $15 for pre-registered attendees (students are free) and $20 at the door, with post-event B2B networking event included, and $30 for the kickoff breakfast featuring keynote speaker Jim Davidson. Attendees can download the Yapp App from Yapp.us, Google play or Apple’s app store and enter the ID code NOCOM2018 for detailed information on the event.

The NOCOM 2018 kick-off breakfast is sponsored by BMA America, experts in plants for the production of fructose, sugar, and dextrose whether dealing with machinery, individual process steps, or entire factories. Visit BMA’s website for more information.

Admission to the post-show B2B networking reception, sponsored by H2 Manufacturing Solutions and Manufacturer’s Edge is included with registration for all attendees. H2 Manufacturing Solutions offers a broad range of services to help manufacturers navigate the daily challenges of the modern manufacturing world. Manufacturer’s Edge, Colorado’s statewide manufacturing assistance center through NISP’s MEP program, boosts the competitiveness of Colorado manufacturers through onsite technical assistance and support.

This year’s NOCOM Trade Show features more than 100 exhibitors, a speaker hall featuring several manufacturing industry leaders, manufacturing forums, and a B2B reception. Topics discussed will include: Get the best bang for the buck with healthcare; Navigate programs and grants targeted to grow Colorado manufacturing businesses; Learn insiders' secrets on the latest and greatest technology advances should be part of your strategy for this year . . . and beyond; and Navigate challenges that manufacturers face.

About BMA

The roots of BMA America in Greeley stem from 90 years old Brewer Steel, founded as a family business in Greeley, Colorado. Over the years, BMA's reputation as a reliable, quality fabricator grew, and the business expanded to include heavier products and fabrications. With the addition of specialized equipment and key personnel, BMA Americas custom fabrication today enjoys a reputation as one of the leading fabricators in the Rocky Mountain West, maintaining its reputation for quality and on-time delivery. In November 1994, Brewer Steel was purchased from the Brewer family by BMA Braunschweigische Maschinenbauanstalt AG enabling the company to grow further and develop new business fields. Next to custom fabrication for regional customers, today, BMA America can offer capital equipment and spare parts for the sugar industry, engineering, and other after sales services. Our long-standing customers include the cane and beet sugar industry in North-, Central- and South-America.

AboutNorthern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership

The NoCo Manufacturing Partnership was formed in 2013 as a result of Governor Hickenlooper’s state Economic Development plan called the Colorado Blue Print. The Blue Print identified 11 key sectors of the economy in Colorado by region. Northern Colorado’s two main sectors identified were Health and Wellness and Advanced Manufacturing. Regions within the state were encouraged to form sector partnerships to provide more localized grass roots support to augment state efforts in each sector.

These would be industry specific, led by business, in partnership with economic development, education and workforce development. A collaboration arose as part of the Blue Print process involving people from each of these affiliations and the NoCo Manufacturing Partnership was born. It continues to be an all-volunteer, business led, FREE membership organization designed to support Northern Colorado manufacturers. It is served by a Board of Directors, representing each affiliation from private business to local government, as well as two active committees: Networking and Manufacturing Talent/Rocks! Find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

NoCo Manufacturing Partnership Elects Three to Board of Directors

The NoCo Manufacturing Partnership has three new board members.

Stacy Johnson, director of economic development for the town of Windsor; Heidi Hostetter, CEO of H2 Manufacturing Solutions, VP at Faustson Tool, Arvada, and industry chair, Alliance for the Development of Additive Processing Technologies, Colorado School of Mines (ADAPT); and Mina Cox, chief operating officer of Specialty Products, Longmont, were elected to the board. They succeed Brooke Gunn, Scion Aviation; Terry Precht, Vergent Products; and SeonAh Kendall, City of Fort Collins.

The NoCo Manufacturing Partnership has more than 170 manufacturers and 54 public-sector participants. Among its goals: build awareness of diverse careers in manufacturing through company tours and other events for middle and high school students, partner with K-12 and higher education to build relevant skills, and bring together business-to-business networking and supply chain opportunities.

In 2016, the partnership surpassed the 1,000 mark for the number of high school and middle school students in Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, and Longmont who have taken Manufacturing ROCKS! tours; awarded $6,000 in scholarships to Front Range Community College and Aims Community College students; organized a successful NOCOM 2016 Trade Show at the Ranch in Loveland; convened the first Regional Advisory Board Meeting for high schools; and sponsored the first Parent’s Manufacturing Day with Fort Collins manufacturer Woodward as host.

MANUFACTURER’S EDGE LAUNCHES A NEW SERIES OF WORKSHOPS AIMED AT BRINGING EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES TO COLORADO MANUFACTURERS

The Technology AdvantEDGE Series presents “Building a Business Case for Additive” with GE Additive Thursday, March 29

(Denver, CO) Manufacturer’s Edge is pleased to introduce the 2018 Technology AdvantEDGE Series – a series of workshops introducing new and emerging technologies that manufacturers can implement into their processes and products. The first event in the Technology AdvantEDGE series will be held on Thursday, March 29 at 9am in Denver.

“Building a Business Case for Additive” is presented in cooperation with GE Additive and is aimed at organizations that are interested in exploring in metal additive manufacturing (AM) and need to quantify the economic opportunity.

The workshop will focus on the ROI that metal additive brings and will equip participants with the knowledge to sell the business case for AM to their leadership.

The session will be led by consultants from AddWorks™, GE Additive’s in-house design consulting group, who helped design the fuel nozzle and Advanced Turboprop (ATP). Both parts are FAA certified and were re-engineered using AM and gained significant weight savings, part count reduction, and better performance. The AddWorks™ team will help attendees understand how to develop an AM mindset from the outset.

“Additive manufacturing is fundamentally changing how manufacturing is done, but what often stops organizations from starting their additive journey is a fear of the unknown and understanding what the payback is going to be,” says Heidi Hostetter, Vice President of Faustson Tool.

This one-day workshop will cover the following topics:

Key factors in identifying the right part for AM with metals

Design, materials and manufacturing considerations during part design

Building a ROI-led business case with key cost assumptions

Identifying the right parts for AM

Optimizing your additive post-processing

Design recommendations and considerations

Building an additive part cost model

How to sell additive up through your organization

This is a hands-on workshop and attendees are encouraged to bring a part with them that might be a suitable for AM production. The Addworks team will then explore the compatibility and potential benefits of implementing an AM redesign.

What: Building a Business Case for Additive

Dates: March 29, 2018

Time: 9am–5pm; happy hour/networking event 5–7pm

Place: Geotech Environmental Equipment (2650 E 40th Ave, Denver)

Cost: Free; lunch is provided

Sponsored by: Manufacturer’s Edge, H2 Manufacturing Solutions, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, and GE Additive

As the Manufacturing Extension Partner for the state of Colorado, Manufacturer's Edge is committed to keeping Colorado manufacturers informed with the latest cutting-edge info and access to the latest trends. We want to show you what is on the horizon so that you can anticipate the arrival and stay competitive. To that end, we are pleased to introduce the 2018 Technology AdvantEDGE Series -- a series of workshops where we will introduce a variety of new technologies that manufacturers can implement into their manufacturing processes and products. These workshops will cover everything from new materials such as composites, smart fibers, and fabrics to new manufacturing processes, such as 3D printing and robotics. Topics of interest will also include radical new technologies that will change the way we live, such as flexible hybrid electronics, biopharmaceuticals, and biofabrication.

Let us help you stay ahead of the game by anticipating and preparing for the amazing innovations on the horizon. Let us bring the future to you!

H2 Manufacturing Solutions offers a broad range of services to help manufacturers navigate the daily challenges of the modern manufacturing world. Our one-stop shop addresses any business challenge a manufacturer encounters, from representing best-in-class equipment and service providers to operational improvement consulting to business development strategies to technical expertise. At H2, our mission is to make manufacturers’ day-to-day challenges more manageable and less frustrating. Our promise is to deliver Honest. Hardworking. Results. For more information, contact H2 Manufacturing Solutions at 970-692-3344 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit H2 Manufacturing Solutions on the web, Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

About GE Additive

GE Additive is part of GE – the world’s Digital Industrial Company, transforming industry with software-defined machines and solution that are connected, responsive and predictive. GE Additive includes material provider AP&C and additive service provider to the medical industry, DTI. As a notable user of additive technologies GE recognizes the value and potential it brings to modern design and manufacturing. GE is organized around a global exchange of knowledge, the “GE Store,” through which each business shares and accesses the same technology, resources and intellect.

Faustson Tool Awarded Top Prize for Innovation

Faustson, a worldwide leader in the machining industry, received the Manufacturer’s Edge Manufacturing Innovation Award at Innovation Pavilion’s inaugural Innovation Awards ceremony last week. Governor John Hickenlooper gave opening remarks for the event, which was attended by more than 350 members of Colorado’s innovation community.

In response to the honor, Faustson Vice President Heidi Hostetter said, “We couldn't be more honored to receive this recognition. It's truly an honor and, as noted at the awards ceremony, this is Colorado’s award; we merely accepted it. Thanks to Manufacturer's Edge, School of Mines, OEDIT, Ball and Lockheed and certainly to all the employees of Faustson for their hard work and efforts to make these ideas a reality.”

See video of Hostetter and Faustson President Alicia Svaldi at the award ceremony here.

Faustson was nominated for its long history of leading its field in innovation. Faustson won the award for demonstrating outstanding leadership in building a practical research center in Colorado that provides testing, performance analysis, and materials knowledge for 3D metal printed parts; especially as those parts apply to aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

All nominees were evaluated by entrepreneurial community leaders and Innovation Pavilion partnership organizations. Selection criteria were based on a peer review of a company’s outstanding contribution to advancing innovation in Colorado.

About the awards ceremony, Vic Ahmed, Innovation Pavilion Founder and CEO, said “Since our founding, it has been our mission and vision to recognize and promote leaders in our entrepreneurial community. It is our honor to highlight these nominees in our newest expansion location, Parker, CO. This event has brought together leaders from every sector of our community- businesses, government, and non-profits. These productive collisions are what make Colorado such a special place that promotes problem solving, collaboration, and innovation”.

About Innovation Pavilion

Innovation Pavilion is an ecosystem of entrepreneurs where productive collisions lead to creative solutions. Located in Centennial, Colorado, Innovation Pavilion provides co-working spaces, business incubation programs, job readiness training, and a collaborative community that brings together entrepreneurs and business leaders of all shapes and sizes. For more information, visit www.innovationpavilion.com.

About Faustson Tool

Faustson Tool, a worldwide leader in the machining industry, provides services for clients worldwide in the medical, aerospace, aeronautics, defense, semiconductor and other industries. The company, founded in 1982, provides additive manufacturing/3D metal printing, 3-, 4- and 5-axis milling and 5-axis EDM services, as well as turning capabilities for cutting-edge custom part production, and efficient production of standard parts. Faustson Tool is woman owned and operated small business. For more information, visit www.faustson.com, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (303) 420-7422.

In early March, Heidi accompanied Manufacturer's Edge, including Sumer Sorensen-Bain, on a trip to Washington, DC, to meet with Colorado's federal representatives and discuss important progress and concerns when it comes to manufacturing.

H2 Client Faustson Tool Honored by Innovation Pavilion

H2 client Faustson Tool received the Manufacturer’s Edge Manufacturing Innovation Award at Innovation Pavilion’s inaugural Innovation Awards ceremony last week. Governor John Hickenlooper gave opening remarks for the event, which was attended by more than 350 members of Colorado’s innovation community.

To view Innovation Pavilion's video of a pre-award interview of Heidi (H2 CEO and Faustson VP) and Faustson President Alicia Svaldi, click here.

Faustson Featured as NIST Hero of American Manufacturing

Faustson Tool a client of Manufacturer’s Edge (the MEP Center in Colorado and part of the MEP National Network), operates a 16,000-square-foot facility with more than 20 highly skilled employees and is owned and operated by Alicia Svaldi. Faustson Tool remains in the forefront of the manufacturing industry, continuing a tradition of pioneering the newest technology and pushing its limits. Faustson Tool takes on the most challenging applications only a few U.S. companies can handle, using state-of-the-art precision machining to do things no one else in the industry thinks can be done. Faustson’s reputation for innovation and excellence has earned the company prestigious clientele: Faustson Tool manufactured a key component in NASA’s Kepler space telescope, and has worked with Ball Aerospace to produce parts for the U.S. F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter jet.

Manufacturer’s Edge has helped Faustson Tool improve product flow and production, be innovative and stay competitive in today’s manufacturing world. One of the most impressive results of this collaboration has been the development of the ADAPT Advanced Characterization Center, a 3D metal printing research facility.

These two organizations join a team of sponsors that include the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Xcel Energy, Flood & Peterson, and FirstBank. These sponsors all add to the manufacturing sector in Colorado and contribute to the development of the industry.

“NOCOM has allowed us to partner with local businesses and organizations to strengthen our understanding of manufacturing in the Northern Colorado area and how it can positively impact our economy and community. It has helped us become a better resource for our clients and job seekers alike,” said Jared Reid, Account Manager at Aerotek, which has built an unrivaled culture over three decades of providing high-quality jobs and workers in many industries.

EKS&H is a professional services firm that has been accountable to its clients’ vital interests and has been providing a place where their employees can do their best since 1978. Heather Karulf of EKS&H said, “At EKS&H, we believe manufacturing is a foundational component of the Colorado and U.S. economies. Manufacturing provides important opportunities both directly and indirectly to many individuals throughout the community, and as a result, we feel a responsibility to help businesses in this industry succeed and grow.”

We have found the NOCO Manufacturing Partnership and NOMCOM to be an exceptional outlet to both connect with and learn from some of the leading businesses in northern Colorado. Organizations and events like this are strongly aligned with our EKS&H values of collaboration, community, and commitment to clients.Sponsoring the NOCOM event is a good business decision for EKS&H because it provides awareness, educational, and networking opportunities for us, and our clients and prospects. We are enthusiastic about joining forces with this important industry advocate and are privileged to be associated with its members.”

“We’re grateful to have the support of these two outstanding organizations, which play a significant role in manufacturing in northern Colorado and beyond,” said Christine Juker of the Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership. “With workforce as one of the industry’s top challenges and a big focus of the partnership, Aerotek’s workforce solutions aligns perfectly with our initiatives. As a business advisor, EK&H helps to protect clients’ vital interests through tax auditing and wealth advisory, which makes them a great partner to our manufacturing community.”

“The NOCOM Trade Show is an excellent opportunity for Colorado Manufacturers to showcase their products and tell potential suppliers, clients and partners about their unique businesses,” said Tony Wampler, Co-Chair of NOCOM 2018.

This year’s NOCOM Trade Show features more than 100 exhibitors, a speaker hall featuring several manufacturing industry leaders, manufacturing forums, and a B2B reception. Topics discussed will include: Get the best bang for the buck with healthcare; Navigate programs and grants targeted to grow Colorado manufacturing businesses; Learn insiders' secrets on the latest and greatest technology advances should be part of your strategy for this year . . . and beyond; and Navigate challenges that manufacturers face.

For more information and to register for this event, visit www.nocomfg.com. For more information on sponsorships and to become a corporate sponsor, contact Heidi Hostetter, NOCOM 2018 Chair, at 303-517-6541or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About AerotekAerotek is a global leader in staffing and recruiting, winning the “Best of Staffing” award at Inavero’s Best of Staffing® Client and Talent Awards. At Aerotek, their people are everything. For those looking for the next step in their careers and for companies looking for great people, Aerotek helps both by bringing them together so both sides can prosper and grow. Learn more about Aerotek on their Facebook Page, Twitter account, and LinkedIn page.

About EKS&HEKS&H LLLP (EKS&H) is a nationally recognized professional services firm providing audit, tax, technology, and business consulting services to public and private clients. Our commitment to client service has resulted in sustained growth since we began in 1978. Working collaboratively, we know the best measure of our success is the success of our clients. Learn more at eksh.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

AboutNorthern Colorado Manufacturing PartnershipThe NoCo Manufacturing Partnership was formed in 2013 as a result of Governor Hickenlooper’s state Economic Development plan called the Colorado Blue Print. The Blue Print identified 11 key sectors of the economy in Colorado by region. Northern Colorado’s two main sectors identified were Health and Wellness and Advanced Manufacturing. Regions within the state were encouraged to form sector partnerships to provide more localized grass roots support to augment state efforts in each sector. These would be industry specific, led by business, in partnership with economic development, education and workforce development. A collaboration arose as part of the Blue Print process involving people from each of these affiliations and the NoCo Manufacturing Partnership was born. It continues to be an all-volunteer, business led, FREE membership organization designed to support Northern Colorado manufacturers. It is served by a Board of Directors, representing each affiliation from private business to local government, as well as two active committees: Networking and Manufacturing Talent/Rocks! Find us on the web, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Our friends at Company Week ran this piece, a nice summary of the impact metal additive manufacturing is having on traditional manufacturing approaches. Contact us today to learn how we can help you add AM to your service offerings, or grow that part of your business.

"Metal 3D printing is revolutionizing traditional manufacturing"

by Heather Johnson / Hartwig, Inc.

In order to stay ahead in the market, it's paramount for an organization to find and implement strategies that differentiate it from others in its field. The search for value creating resources that are necessary to improve performance may come through the skills of the organization's people, as a result of unique business processes, or by finding inimitable ways to use physical resources. Regardless, companies must continue to focus on developing these resources because, as markets change, so does what it takes to remain relevant within them.

These changes in the market are happening quickly as technology continues to advance rapidly; industries are being redefined and restructured by near-constant innovation. Companies can no longer remain comfortable with the old ideal, "This is how we have always done it," because the world is changing. Organizations that grab ahold of these game-changing technologies, learn how to utilize them, and implement them in their processes will start to develop the new competitive advantages in this business era.

One of these technological revolutions has arrived to metal manufacturing in the form of additive manufacturing, an industrial 3D printing process. The time for manufacturers to start exploring how 3D printing will affect their future has arrived, and those who incorporate it into their business processes now will be ahead of the curve.

Thanks to our friends at Concept Laser/GE Additive, and Faustson, Engineering.com told the story of how we worked with a client to create a part using additive manufacturing that earned them an extension of their SBIR contract.